Publisher's Synopsis
March 3, 1778 ... marks the tragic death of Thomas Harbert (Sr). In the mid-1760's -Thomas, an early frontiersman and pioneer - and his wife Isabelle - left the English Colony of New Jersey and moved their young family westward... eventually settling in the District of West Augusta, Virginia. On what is now known as Ten-Mile Creek, in the Jones' Run Community, Harrison County, WV - Gomas and an enterprising group of settlers constructed the Harbert Blockhouse as a defense against the many harsh elements of this newly-opened AppalachianWilderness. On this fateful date - as some children were playing nearby - they noted the approach of some Shawnee warriors who were known to be about avenging the death of their mighty Shawnee chieftain, Keigh-tugh-qua, or "the Cornstalk."Gey subsequently attacked the barnlike structure of Fort Harbert, and in the ensuing battleGomas was killed while grappling with a Shawnee warrior who had forced himself into the Fort. In addition to the tragic death of Gomas and his young daughter Celia, four other adults were wounded; and six or seven children in the yard were killed or taken prisoners. One indian was killed, and two badly wounded. Surviving Gomas were his wife Isabelle and Fve sons: Samuel Harbert (18), Edward (15), William (13), Gomas Jr. (10), and John (9). Brian C. Harbert lives on HarbertMountain Road in rural Alexander County, North Carolina, with his wife Alice and extended family. He has three children: David, Rachel & Ryan who are all grown. He is an R.N. at a local hospital in the Critical Care Unit. His interest in genealogy was kindled by the work began by his grandfather, Hallie Lafayette Harbert who wrote a booklet entitled: "History of the Descendants of Noah J. Harbert..". [Hallie's grandfather]. Having begun with the information in his grandfather's work, he began "surFng the web" and stumbled upon several very helpful sites. He has compiled a family database of over 7,000 names! He keeps hoping he'll get Fnished at some point, but as of this time, he sees no end in sight! David Harbert was born in Morgantown, WV; near Decker's Creek whereGomas Harbert made his Frst home inWV. David and his wife Linda live in LumberportWV. He has a set of twins Tim and Cathy who are grown and have their own families. He grew up on Jones Run about 4 miles from the location of the Harbert Blockhouse. David's father, Max is the person responsible for David's interest in the Harbert Family history. His father is a treasure trove of information about the Harbert's who lived around Lumberport. David's lifelong dream has been to put the family history down on paper so others can learn about the amazing people who have and still do make up the Harbert Family.
